The Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo will remain in Amarillo at least for two more years.
On Thursday, the WRCA announced in a press conference at the Amarillo Civic Center that the show will go on for the long-time rodeo. Doubts had been cast prior to the announcement on whether the rodeo would stay and members of the last three Amarillo City Councils had discussed strategies for keeping the rodeo in Amarillo.
During the press conference, it was revealed that the rodeo will continue in Amarillo though November 2020. The two year extension alleviates some fears that Amarillo would lose one of the Amarillo Civic Center's biggest events after the American Quarter Horse Association pulled its Adequan Select World Show from Amarillo in April.
“This is such a good fit. WRCA and Amarillo share a common vision of promoting the western lifestyle,” WRCA association manager Leman Wall said in a statement. “WRCA is grateful for the years of support and we appreciate Amarillo for helping grow the World Championship Ranch Rodeo into what it is today. We look forward to working with our community over the next two years on strategies that will keep the event in Amarillo beyond 2020.”
Mayor Ginger Nelson, Amarillo Civic Center general manager Sherman Bass and Amarillo Convention and Visitors Council director Dan Quandt all addressed the announcement on Thursday, as well, each stating the excitement and expected benefits coming from the extension.
In 2016, the topic of keeping the rodeo was addressed several times by members of the then-City Council. Discussions continued in 2017, as Amarillo elected a brand new City Council, with a final agreement being made this year for a contract extension.
The WRCA Rodeo for 2018 will be held in November at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. Tickets are currently available through panhandletickets.com.
Photo by WRCA